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Nutrient balance: new insights into obesity.
1Section of Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition, University of Southern California, USC School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033.
International Journal of Obesity
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Nutrient balance is regulated by the autonomic nervous system and hormones. Sympathetic nervous system activity inversely relates to energy stores, influencing nutrient intake and metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Metabolic Regulation
Background:
- Nutrient balance is crucial for maintaining energy homeostasis.
- The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a role in regulating physiological processes, including metabolism.
- Hormonal factors are known to influence appetite and energy storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and nutrient balance.
- To investigate the role of hormonal regulation in nutrient intake and storage.
- To test the hypothesis of nutrient stores as regulated systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nutrient balance and autonomic nervous system activity.
- Analysis of data linking hypothalamic function to obesity and weight regulation.
- Examination of hormonal influences on nutrient intake and storage.
Main Results:
- Autonomic nervous system activity, specifically sympathetic activity, is inversely related to energy stores.
- Hypothalamic and genetic obesity correlate with reduced sympathetic activity.
- Reduced weight in animals with lateral hypothalamic lesions is associated with increased sympathetic activity.
Conclusions:
- Nutrient balance is significantly influenced by the two branches of the autonomic nervous system.
- Hormones like insulin, adrenal steroids, gonadal steroids, and growth hormone are key modulators of nutrient intake and storage.
- Nutrient stores appear to be regulated systems with feedback mechanisms controlling intake, storage, and metabolism via the ANS.